Quote:
Originally Posted by linz06  I hope everything goes well for Dottie! My brother's miniature american eskimo used to constantly chew on my parents' picnic table, and one winter he actually broke off half of a canine tooth as well. He didn't go to a vet though, and the tooth is still there. It looks healthy still and he has no problems with it and shows no pain. |
OMG you're kidding me??
How much was busted off? I'd like to share this with you, it's what I found when reading on this subject last night:
Fractured Carnassial Tooth that results in Apical Abscess
Small animals fracture their teeth many ways, from chewing on a cage door, crates or chain link fences. Hard chew toys, ice cubes, or cow hooves may also cause fractures. Auto accidents, aggressive protection training, and dogfights can also fracture a tooth.
All teeth are susceptible to fracture however; in the mature animal the canines are the most common followed by the maxillary 4th premolar and the incisors. In pups less than 6 months old, deciduous canines are the most common.
Just because an animal doesn't appear to be in pain does not mean damage and discomfort are not occurring. Often pets do not complain to us until severe infection has occurred. Animals experience extreme pain when the tooth fractures, as those of you know that have fractured a tooth. Eventually the pulp dies and the pain decreases until an abscess forms. Animals show dental pain many ways:
Veterinary Pet Insurance
* Chewing on one side
* Pawing at their mouth
* Dropping food while eating
* Drooling
* Shying away from being petted
* Refusing hard food or chew toys
Besides pain, infection can result from fractured teeth. Once the pulp is exposed bacteria in the mouth have access to the circulation and may cause damage to heart valves, kidneys and liver as well causing a painful abscess at the root. Even if the pulp is not exposed fracture of the enamel allows exposure of the dentin tubules, which communicate with the pulp, also a means of abscess formation.
If a fracture is detected early, endodontic care can save the tooth. Veterinarians with advanced dentistry training such as Dr. Nossaman can perform root canals. If this treatment is not an option, the tooth must be extracted to relieve the pain and protect infection that will affect your precious friend's quality of life.
I can't let Dottie go like that, I've had a busted tooth before and I know the severe pain I was in until the tooth was extracted. Her tooth busted literally in half, I have like a half an inch of it laying here. I don't know for sure if it matters how much was actually busted off but I won't take any chances with Dottie. Has the vet ever said anything about your brothers furkids tooth?